Aftercare

SARAN WRAP

1. Leave the wrap at least 2 hours (overnight if it’s an evening tattoo.) Do not remove the bandage to show your friends, as this is an important step to start the healing process and helps prevent infection when your skin is at its most vulnerable.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly. ONLY ever touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands. Remove the wrap and wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry.

3. Apply a small amount of Redemption, coconut oil, or (Aquaphor in a pinch) . Rub it in briefly and then pat off any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 4-5 times a day for the first 3-4 days. 

4. For the first 3 nights, Before bed, follow step 2, wash and dry your tattoo. Once dry, wrap your tattoo in Saran Wrap. Do not apply any lotion or ointment under the Saran Wrap. Immediately when you wake up in the morning, wash and apply ointment.

5. After 3-4 days the Tattoo will start to itch. Once it starts to itch, it’s time to switch…to a non-scented white lotion! A dry flaky layer of skin may form on the tattoo. Let the skin slough off naturally. Small flecks of color will come off during this process: this is normal, it’s not the ink coming out of your tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Doing so could seriously affect the look of your tattoo when healed and could create scarring. Apply Lotion as needed(when your tattoo feels itchy, dry, or tight) for the next 2-3 weeks.

6. Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. It hurts(!) and may damage your tattoo as it heals. Whenever in the sun your tattoo must be covered by your clothing. You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is healed. After your tattoo has healed, be aware of the sun’s effects on it. Excessive exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoos appearance. The American Association of Dermatology recommends that a broad spectrum waterproof sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 applied every 2 hours.

7. No hot tubs, saunas, pools, or lakes until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water for long periods of time. Doing soon can prematurely remove a scab and negatively affect the look of your healed tattoo.

8. Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or prevent your tattoo from looking its best. Infection is rare, but to reduce your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly(particularly if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first sign.